Do you feel helpless in the face of "the system?" This show is to help you learn how to take control and steer your way to health. Hear how others have met these challenges and overcome them. Learn how you can do so too. This program is a forum to share your experiences, ask your questions, and learn how to create and manage your health care team.
Beginning December 30, 2010
Eat Right and Thrive!
Kevin Graham, author of Weight Loss Empowerment: 50 Ways to Lose Your Luggage, talks with Joyce about the best indicators of overall health and well-being. Kevin will raise your spirits and empower you to enjoy the holidays without guilt as he reveals how to prepare for a holiday get-together, why it's good to feel hungry, and how to make fat people look skinny -- instantly!
Stay away from this on the holidays (Hint: it isn't alcohol)
Sheryl Kurland is a patient advocate and co-owner of Orlando Patient Advocates (Florida). As an independent patient advocate, she provides a range of services, from identifying the right doctors and conducting resarch on treatment to arranging for medical services and overseeing care for hospitalized patients. Her research shows clearly that a hospital or emergency room is not a good place to celebrate the holidays. She offers six "magic words" to protect yourself during times when hospital staffing
is at it lowest and patient counts are high. Be sure to avoid the "patient pothole"!
For Melanie Rotenberg, M.D., humor has been a life preserver while riding the rough seas of nursing home and hospice work. She started in the field as a 15-year-old CNA, earning $2.65 an hour. “It helped pay for college,” she said. Now a physician with a speciality in physical medicine and rehabilitation, she still works predominantly with people in nursing homes and hospice.
What is changing about us that we seem to have lost the ability to disagree in a civil manner and discuss? According to Charles Glassman,MD, our uncivil behavior stems from the way our brains operate. Our ingrained survival instincts are eing tested as the issues of the day become overwhelmingly stressful, and the fear of the future is causing our natural "fight or flight" response to kick in. Dr. Glassman offers five was to tame our impulses and control our knee-jerk reactions.
When Carolyn Gross was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer she was offered the same treatmet boh her grandmothers had received thirty years earlier: mastectomy with chemotherapy and radiation. After doing careful research, Carolyn decided to try an innovative immune therapy. Cancer-free for seven ears, Carolyn now works as a patient advocate and holistic health coach.
Do you have issues that you are just too embarrassed to discuss with your doctor? Do you think you are the only one with this problem, so you keep it to yourself? Whether it's a lumb or a bump, a rash or a pain, you are likely not alone, and you can finally get the answers you deserve without feeling uncomfortable. Karen Roush, RN, MSN, FNP, BC, joins Joyce for a discussion of women's health issues that women often find too embarrassing to raise with their doctors and to talk about her two books on polycystic ovary syndrome and on menopause.
Joyce is just back from the 9th International Medical Symposium on VHL in Rio de Janeiro. One day of basic science, one day devoted to optimal treatments for the various kind of VHL tumors, and one day designed specifically for the families. We had 40 people from all over Brazil, and representatives from the patient organizations in four European countries, US, and Argentina. What has this meeting accomplished? Why is it important to get an accurate diagnosis of a rare disease like VHL? Why do we need to convene people worldwide in order to make progress in understanding and treating rare diseases?
Every day, the presence of your own dog exerts a healng influence over you -- and you are not even aware of it. Sharon Sakson, author of PAWS & EFFECT: The Healing Power of Dogs, has tracked down scientific research that proves there are at least five ways the pet by your side is healing to you. Dogs can sniff out low blood sugar levels in diabetics, help autistic children, sense when a seizure is coming on, and provide natural, holistic relief for those living with mental and physical illness.
Each day of our lives is spent finding new ways to be well. So what are we supposed to do when, overnight, we find our lives have changed and we are told we may never be well again? When doctors can’t tell us, “You’re going to be ok.” How do we deal with this scenario …when no one ever taught us ‘how to be sick?’ In 2001, Toni Bernhard, a lawyer, professor, wife and mother, was living a busy and fulfilling life until, while on a short, romantic trip to Paris, she contracted a viral infection from which she has yet to recover.
Joyce speaks with Alex Lifshitz of Sphera International, one of the many companies specializing in "medical tourism." Medical travel has become a growing trend in the healthcare industry. Patients all over America choose to travel abroad for surgeries and procedures as an effective way to get safe low-cost/high-quality care. Alex and Joyce discuss the advantages and disadvantages of having surgery outside the United States.
Carol Kivler has battled depression for decades. Over the past 20 years se has had over 50 successful ECT treatments during my four major bouts with clinical depression. ECT has become my “ladder out of the depression pit” for which I am most grateful. ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is commonly known as "shock therapy." Carol shares with Joyce her success with Electric Convulsive Therapy, and encourages others to consider this modality as a way of getting out of deep depression.
Glenn Rockowitz has laughed at the face of death four times. He's still counting. This remarkable man's book, Rodeo in Juliet describes his survival of cancer against all odds and his ultimate achievement of personal happiness in the face of the most dire personal ordeals imaginable. Glenn shares with Joyce his powerful perspective on the value of life.
Have you ever had to get a copy of your scans to send to another doctor for a second opinion? Joyce talks with Amy Vreeland of LifeIMAGE about their new product that aims to avoid duplicate exams and eliminate unnecessary patient exposure to excessive radiation. This is important news as duplicate scanning of patients can also lead to patient discomfort and higher health care costs. Already adopted by three large cancer centers, this kind of "cloud computing" product has benefit for patients and for the bottom line.
Joyce talks with Judy Wolff about her dog Tucker, a laborador retriever, who was paralyzed by a fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE). With care and patience, Tucker has made a remarkable recovery. Judy shares their experiences, some day-to-day logistical suggestions, in the hope that others may give their dogs a chance to recover. Tucker's story is not only inspirational to other dogs, but also to us humans.
Sleep disturbances are a common complaint in head and neck cancer patients and have been shown to decrease quality of life. A recent University of Michigan Cancer Center study shows that this may be due to increased symptoms of pain and dry mouth related to radiation treatments. Reducing these factors could be warranted to improve sleep hygiene and essentially enhance quality of life. Joyce talks with Dr. Sonia Duffy, Ph.D., R.N., professor of nursing at the U-M School of Nursing and otolaryngology.
Michael Gusmano, Ph.D., a research scientist from the Hastings Center, discusses with Joyce his new book on Health Care in World Cities. The Hastings Center is a nonpartisan research institution dedicated to bioethics and the internet.
After 50 years of good health, Wendy Scheinfeld has been struggling for four and a half years to get a diagnosis of what may have caused swollen red and oozing skin all over her body. She has been to nearly 30 specialists in a wide variety of fields, none of whom has been able to come up with a name and a recommendation for treatment for the ongoing allergic and immune system issues that have plagued her since the initial episode. Perhaps you can help her? or find some glimmers of hope in her situation that might help you.
Even if you eat wisely and exercise often, you and other stress junkies are at HUGE risk for illnesses like heart disease, cancer and stroke. Help save yourself and your ticker by listening to acclaimed heart specialist John M. Kennedy, MD. Move beyond a stressful lifestyle with his minutes-a-day BREATHE technique that eliminates anxiety anywhere, anytime, embracing a sense of calm and focus in any workplace or homelife.
Brenda Gleason, M.A., M.P.H. is the president and founder of M2 Health Care Consulting, a strategic policy and communications firm and a professor at the George Washington University School of Public Health. Her latest book, 8 Things we can Do to Fix the System, gives practical solutions any of us -- sick or healthy, rich or poor, insured or not -- could start doing today.
Joyce speaks with Nancy Williams who worked for Women’s Services, Inc, a domestic/sexual violence center, about the emotional and psychological impact of rape on a woman’s feelings of self-worth and security.
Aimée Salas from the island of Curacao in the Dutch Carinnean has written a book about her life-changing experience when diagnosed with von Hippel-Lindau disease. On an island with a total population of 150,000 she found herself with a diagnosis of a rare disease, needing a surgery that was not possible on her island. But with faith and the help of family and friends she found the medical help she needed, survived the surgery, and maintains her faith and her optimism.
Chronic pain can become debilitating. Specialists may have checked your bones, nerves, blood vessels, discs or arthritis and found nothing, but pain may be stored in the muscles, triggering distant parts of the body. Tasso Spanos, a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist , will talk with Joyce about pain. He is willing to take calls on the air to see if he can resolve your chronic pain through targeted exercise and stretching.
Immune health researcher Stuart Reeves, Ph.D., discusses with Joyce the “Hygiene Hypothesis,” the theory that sterile environments fail to challenge the immune system. “Unwittingly, Americans’ too-clean behaviors hamper the immune system from educating itself on the appropriate responses to environmental factors such as dirt and microorganisms,” says Dr. Reeves.
Aimee Salas from the island of Curacao in the Dutch Carinnean has written a book about her life-changing experience when diagnosed with von Hippel-Lindau disease. On an island with a total population of 150,000 she found herself with a diagnosis of a rare disease, needing a surgery that was not possible on her island. But with faith and the help of family and friends she found the medical help she needed, survived the surgery, and maintains her faith and her optimism.
Chronic pain can become debilitating. Specialists may have checked your bones, nerves, blood vessels, discs or arthritis and found nothing, but pain may be stored in the muscles, triggering distant parts of the body. Tasso Spanos, a Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist , will talk with Joyce about pain. He is willing to take calls on the air to see if he can resolve your chronic pain through targeted exercise and stretching.
The National Institutes of Health report that 50% of Americans are sensitive to at least one allergen, which is more than twice the rate reported in years past. Is “clean living” to blame? Immune health researcher Stuart Reeves, Ph.D., discusses the “Hygiene Hypothesis,” the theory that sterile environments fail to challenge the immune system.
Joyce talks with Peter Magaro, PhD, cognitive psychologist and director of the Alzheimer’s Treatment and Memory Training Centers of America (ATMTC.) Dr. Magaro is a licensed psychologist in New York and Florida with over 25 years of experience in the area of cognitive rehabilitation.
Recurrent miscarriage is often a “silent epidemic” among women leading to depression and other issues. While there are many false misconceptions regarding pregnancy loss, recurrent miscarriage often is an indication of a chromosomal problem. There is hope for women with a new chromosomal testing called Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH).
Competitive Surfer Jesse Billauer regains quality of life
At 17 years of age, Jesse Billauer's life was forever changed when a spinal cord injury resulted in quadriplegia. For Jesse, a star athlete and competitive surfer, this life-changing event became a calling to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles and lead healthy, active lives. Jesse shares the philosophy that has gotten him back in action, and some of the aids that have improved his quality of life.
Dr. Barry Friedberg is an anesthesiologist who wants to lower the incidence of side effects from anesthesia. "A lot of people wake up from surgery not quite the same person they were before they went under because of the overuse of anesthetic drugs," said Dr. Friedberg, a board certified anesthesiologist who has been quoted in numerous medical journals and anesthesia textbooks. Dr. Friedberg talks with us about ways that the patient can help reduce the dangers of surgery. Bring your questions for this expert on anesthesia.
Dr. Michelle May talks with Joyce about the approach to Mindful Eating presented in her book, "Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: How to Break Your Eat-Repent-Repeat Cycle" Her motto: "Eat Mindfully, Live Vibrantly!"
In 1970 Cliff Richey was at the top of his tennis game. And then he met his toughest match: depression. Cliff talks with Joyce about his new book, and about how he has learned to live with depression.
Dr. Kathi Kemper speaks with Joyce about techniques to support mental health naturally. Dr. Kemper, a nationally renowned pediatrician and director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina. Her research shows the value of using non-pharmaceutical approaches first to attain optimal mental and physical health.
Mary Rita Hurley, RN, Aging Initiatives Director of STTI, the Honor Society of Nursing, talks with Joyce about the needs of our aging population, and what we need to add to the nation's healthcare services in order to meet their needs.
The authors of The Healing Patch Cookbook, who operate an online seed store and blog of the same name (www.rawhealingpatch.com), understand those concerns. They’ve made that difficult transition themselves, coming from totally different directions. Julie Hoffenberg got hooked on the raw vegetarian lifestyle after working seven years in the natural health field. Sarah Woodward’s switch in diet was made under more dire circumstances: She has survived a bout of ovarian cancer.
Having been born with cerebral palsy, Sarah Rees Howell knows firsthand about living with a disability. Struggling to fit in and find her own voice. Sarah found an unlikely ally in her horse, Ringo. He gave Sarah confidence and helped her learn to help herself and ultimately others. Sarah is a bridge and voice for disabled kids everywhere.
How the Biggest Loser makes Millions of Heavy People even Fatter
How is it that many of the people who watch the Biggest Loser don't feel inspired, they feel demoralized? Rather than taking off the pounds, they turn even more to poor eating habits and avoid exercise. They ultimately GAIN weight! Sisson will talk with Joyce about why rigorous cardio workouts and food deprivation are not required for a great body, health, and logevity! He will discuss secrets to reprogramming your genes, back to the basics of our hunter/gatherer ancestors. He will share seven no-sacrifice lifestyle changes for staying slim and youthful. Walk for exercise instead of sweating needlessly at the gym.
Is it possible, or even desirable, for all Americans to be able to afford healthcare? With the public and legislatures evenly divided, where do medical professionals stand? Dr. Melvin Kirschner is uniquely qualified to weigh in on the topic. He has spent almost 60 years working in the American health care system, first in public health and then as a family practitioner and biomedical ethicist.
Getting to the right diagnosis is not an easy process. There are thousands of diseases to choose from - too much for any human being to hold in his or her head. Support is being sought from computers, but computers are only as smart and the people whose knowledge is captured in the programming. Jim Hitchin from SpectraScience shares with Joyce the benefits that his WavSTATR Optical Biopsy System and LUMAR Cervical Imaging Systems are bringing to the doctor's arsenal of tools to determine whether tissues are normal, pre-cancerous, or cancerous.
According to a national PTA poll, nearly half of all dads fall short of their parental responsibilities. Dads, claiming job and outside the home responsibilities, are seriously limiting their family time. National educator and storyteller K. Sean Buvala talks with Joyce about simple solutions to engaging your children through bedtime storytelling. "Storytelling, in all its forms, is critical for building reading and math skills," says Buvala. It's also an easy way to spend quality time with your children." He shares ten ways to get teenage boys to talk!
There is a great deal of talk in the press about Comparative Effectiveness Research -- both pro and con. On one end of the spectrum people fear that the government will mandate the cheapest possible treatment. On the other, physicians are worried that they and their patients are being swayed by the marketing hype generated by pharmaceutical companies while there is little evidence to prove that a new expensive treatment is significantly better than a tried-and-true modestly priced treatment. Tony Coelho, chairman of the Partnership to Improve Patient Care, visits with Joyce to talk about the issues surrounding this new initiative.
Worried about the holiday weight-gain? While holiday party buffets don't help, it's actually the big S -- stress -- that's to blame for most of our weight woes. Feeling overwhelmed causes many unhealthy habits. Under stress, we tend to sleep less and reach for more sugar, caffeine and comfort foods. Debi Silbert talks with Joyce about how to get out of this negative spiral, stress less and smile more. A nutrition expert, personal trainer, and whole health coach, Debi will explain what to do if your schedule (and pants) are bursting at the seams!
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Michael Fonstein
